capturing the good life

Cle Elum

This Senior Portrait Session was extra sentimental for me, since Hattie is like a little sister. You may recognize her from many photo sessions I have done with her family at Ritter Farms. I remember her as a baby, as a sweet little girl, and have had a great getting to know her as the amazing young woman that she is. This girl is going places. When she graduates from Cle Elum-Roslyn High School she is off to study at the Evergreen State College– here in Olympia and the family could not be more excited for her. She has been in 4H as a champion, an athlete, an amazing friend, and a gentle soul off to do more great things!

We took to Snoqualmie for this senior session- a good halfway point for both of us. The weather was perfect, we braved crowds, walked a thin line on a few laws, and enjoyed the afternoon together. Wishing Hattie all the best in her adventures ahead!

I’ve known these two love birds both separately and together for many years. I have to say that I have been rooting for them for a solid 20 years now. Being that I’m only 30, that’s really saying something. B & E have been lifelong friends from childhood. We were band geeks, problem solving nerds, and athletes together through school. When after so many years had passed after we all “grew up”, I got the sweet news that they were dating. I was ecstatic, as were most in our immediate circle and beyond. B proposed this fall and I was lucky enough to spend some time with them in celebrating their engagement. We went up to a favorite old spot up in the mountains back home and had a great time in the snow. It was such good luck to get (my favorite) snow and sun all in the same morning. Can’t wait for the wedding next fall and wishing them the best in their future together.

Capturing textures and details can be the best part of taking photos. I spend some time finding different lighting, color, and texture a few weeks back. It was time to take a small break from the fun family sessions that have been keeping me so busy!

There is nothing that brings more warmth in my heart than a loving dog. Toby is just that. His parents- Tammy and Jarrod decided to have a photo session featuring their favorite goofy fur kid. We managed to have a great time on a really beautiful fall morning out on the family farm. Toby managed to stay out of the water and puddles and be the star of the show. Good Boy Toby.

I love coming home. Not only to the home I’ve built with The Handsome, but the home I remember more than any- My Grandma’s house. It was always comfortable, full of love, and so warm. So many memories that have been made, and still to come.

The best time there is early in the morning, on a very cold day, where you can leave the comforts of the wood stove in the back room and venture out into the orchard to roam. It was an unusual and green Christmas gathering, but it was not without frosting.

Before the last big push to Autumn (and the glory that is leggings and wool socks), let’s take a minute to remember how lovely this summer was in the Pacific Northwest. The sun was out, the air was warm, and we had some incredible summer storms.

These little lovelies were taken at Ritter Farms in Cle Elum, Washington. A place that feels like home, was the scene of the first day of our marriage, and a constant reminder of love mixed with hard work.

Although I’ve grown fond of my current home, I don’t quite belong in the suburban area of Olympia. I am naturally drawn to the extremes of a big city or small town. Lately, it’s definitely been on the smaller side of things. This is best demonstrated when I use my spare time to do a little homesteading. This can be anywhere from using local flora for decor, or making preserves from local bounties.

After a trip to my Gram’s orchard, I found myself with two large crates of our family pears amongst apples and Italian prunes. In hopes of avoiding waste (and fruit flies), I took to the kitchen with mason jars and some patience. Pears were 1st.

The method is so simple:

Wash & Rinse

Cut pears in half

Remove the core

Peel and chunk

Add a squeeze of local honey and lemon juice in the bottom of each jar